GeForce RTX 3080 vs GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
Performance-wise the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is out front, marginally faster, roughly 6% up on the GeForce RTX 3080. Value tips toward the GeForce RTX 3080, though: $3,830 USD cheaper for what you get.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
Comparable or lower specs
GeForce RTX 3080 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3080: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3080 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3080
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is marginally faster, around 6% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3080. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to 1440p. The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB packs 8,960 CUDA cores versus 8,704 on the GeForce RTX 3080.
Price & Value
Right now the GeForce RTX 3080 starts at $1,178 USD against $5,008 USD for the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 3080 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~302% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce RTX 3080 still sits about $479 USD above its $699 USD MSRP. The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB still sits about $4,209 USD above its $799 USD MSRP.
Power & Efficiency
The GeForce RTX 3080 sips power at 320W next to the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB's 350W, and still leads on performance-per-watt — quieter, cooler, and gentler on your PSU.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB's 12GB (vs 10GB on the GeForce RTX 3080) gives it more room for 4K textures and memory-hungry creative or AI workloads. The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB's memory is also faster — 912 GB/s versus 760 GB/s (384-bit vs 320-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is roughly 2 years newer than the GeForce RTX 3080, so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3080 or GeForce RTX 3080 12GB?
Choose the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce RTX 3080 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB better than the GeForce RTX 3080?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3080 or the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB?
Is the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB worth the extra $3,830 USD over the GeForce RTX 3080?
Does the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3080 or GeForce RTX 3080 12GB?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3080 | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Ampere |
| Process Node | Samsung 8nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 8,704 | 8,960✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 68 | — |
| Tensor / AI Cores | 272 | — |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3080 | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,440 MHz | 1,440 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,710 MHz | 1,710 MHz |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3080 | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 10 GB | 12 GB✓ |
| Memory Type | GDDR6X | GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus | 320-bit | 384-bit✓ |
| Memory Speed | 19 Gbps | 19 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 760 GB/s | 912 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3080 | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| TDP | 320 W✓ | 350 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 12-pin | 2x 8-pin |
| Released | Sep 2020 | Jan 2022 |